ELDERBERRY SYRUP

Cold and flu season is the best time to stock up on Elderberry - as an herbal formula, syrup, and throat drops - we take it daily and I even add the syrup to our soaked oats. 

Many people consider the elderberry plant one of the most powerful for preventing and treating colds and influenza and swear by its antiviral properties. The results of some studies show that elderberries do indeed have significant benefitsagainst cold and influenza symptoms.

In one placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted by Israeli virologist Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, 93.3% of the people taking an elderberry preparation reported significant improvement in influenza symptoms within 2 days of starting it, compared with the 6 days it took for the placebo group to see improvement.

Researchers also have found that people who have taken elderberries have higher levels of antibodies against the influenza virus, showing that not only may the berry be able to treat flu symptoms, it may also be able to prevent influenza infection.

So how are these “super”berries able to work as an antiviral? Elderberries contain hemagglutinin protein. This protein has been shown to stop a virus’ capability to replicate by inhibiting its ability to penetrate the cell wall, thereby preventing the virus from causing infection if taken before exposed. If elderberries are taken after exposed, it reduces the duration and symptoms.

Here is a great recipe for making elderberry syrup.https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/elder-berries
This can last in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 months if stored in a glass bottle: take ½ to 1 tablespoon daily for adults to prevent illness; or if the flu does strike, take ½ to 1 tablespoon every 2 to 3 hours, instead of once a day, until symptoms disappear.

For those who would rather not make their own, pre-made elderberry tinctures and syrups are plentiful online. Follow the directions on the label of whichever product is purchased.

All in all, elderberries could be a great option to add to your medicine cabinet during cold and flu season.

Clinical trial: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/